Lando Norris Rebuffs Piastri's Criticisms About Singapore GP Overtaking Move

Lando Norris presented an uncompromising retort to the complaints from his fellow driver Piastri after their incident during the Singapore GP, stating that any competitor that wouldn't try a similar passing move does not deserve to be in Formula One.

On-Track Clash Sparks Team Tensions

The race at the Marina Bay circuit was won for Mercedes Russell, however was defined due to the clash during the initial turns, when Lando Norris attacked Piastri and collided with Piastri following Norris had clipped the Red Bull of Verstappen ahead.

“Anyone on the grid would have tried a similar move that I did, therefore if you fault me for simply going on the inside of an opening then you do not deserve to race in Formula One,” he said. “There was nothing wrong with what I did.”

Title Fight Heats Up

Norris and Piastri are engaged in a direct battle for the championship, after McLaren having secured the constructors' title at the Singapore GP. The pair finished third and fourth, with Norris narrowed the points gap on Piastri to twenty-two points with six meetings left.

The Australian driver was angry in the moment, stating that it was unjust that the team did not step in to make Norris give back the position because he believed he had barged Piastri out of the way. However, the stewards did not intervene.

Norris's Defense

“I misjudged somewhat the proximity I was to Verstappen, but that's part of racing and I would have come out ahead of Piastri regardless,” stated Norris. “I was on the inside so the last thing I wanted I want to do is to make contact with Oscar. Given my title position I am in, I can't risk such a move compared to him. Race officials thought it was fine and the team agreed.”

Piastri's Response

Oscar Piastri stated he wouldn't judge yet until the team held a debriefing. I have to examine more at the replays and in more detail and come to my own opinion after that,” he stated. This was lap one, pressure is intense so we are encouraged to share our opinions regarding the clash. I expressed mine and we will discuss it moving forward.”

Team Principal's Viewpoint

McLaren's boss Andrea Stella also maintained McLaren would evaluate their method in dealing with their drivers. “We have to put everything in perspective. It’s the comments from a driver in a Formula One car, there’s the heat of the moment. The data we have is just his point of view. As usual we'll hold a constructive discussion, move forward and improve.”